It is not natural for the Perth Scorchers to remain at the bottom of the points tally in any Big Bash League (BBL08) season and the visit of the Sydney Sixers to Optus Stadium on Sunday with be crucial.

The Scorchers have just four points so far (W2, L5) and have, surprisingly, looked listless in their games so far. The Sixers (W4, L3) are hovering in the top-half and both sides are coming off impressive wins making this match an interesting watch.

Perth Scorchers

Ashton Turner (240 runs, SR 126.31) has picked up form at the right time for the Scorchers, and thankfully he has been released from national duties for this game. Their best bowlers Jason Behrendorff (eight wickets) and Jhye Richardson (seven wickets), however, will be missing as they remain with Australia.

That leaves the Scorchers light on personnel, with Cameron Bancroft (104 runs, SR 110.63) becoming more vital than ever. Andrew Tye (eight wickets, ER 7.36) turned up impressively in the last match which is another positive.

Sydney Sixers

The Sixers are probably one of the least affected units of the Big Bash when it comes to national duty. Joe Denly (137 runs, SR 103) has linked up with England, but his replacement James Vince is an excellent pick. Jordan Silk (194 runs) and Daniel Hughes (188 runs) continue to excel with the bat, and will remain vital for the Sixers.

Tom Curran (11 wickets) and Steve O’Keefe (13 wickets, ER 6.71) remain solid pillars with the ball, while the form of Steve Abbott (ten wickets) continues to bail them out from tough situations.

Match Up

Getting Turner back is a huge bonus for the Scorchers ahead of this vital clash. Bancroft and Tye led them against the Stars in the last match and will once again be their key players.

The Sixers have been impressive without looking exceptional. Vince is a great replacement player to have, while the bowling duo of O’Keefe and Curran remain their best bets with the ball.

Key Battles

Bancroft scored his first fifty since returning from ban in the last match. Scores of 19, 24 and 59 speak of a batsman picking up form with every passing game.

O’Keefe surprised everyone so far, and remains the top-wicket taker in BBL08. The left-arm spinner remains a big threat for the Scorchers, as he looks to continue the strong season for the Sixers.

History & Statistics

Scorchers have won nine of the last 12 H2H matches.

Scorchers have a 5-2 record against the Sixers in January.

The home side has won six of the last seven H2H fixtures.

Sixers have a 2-6 record batting first against the Scorchers.

Sixers have won eight of their last 11 BBL matches.

Prediction

The Scorchers have struggled to replace Justin Langer in the dugout this season. However, they looked to be getting back to form in their last match which should be a good sign. The Sixers, however, have been impressive themselves which points to an interesting match.